Spain - Cava

Freixenet is one of the largest Cava producers, has locations worldwide and sells over 200 million bottles a year. From Barcelona, there is a direct train service (about 45 minutes) to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia where Freixenet is located. To visit Freixenet is a beautiful experience and gives insights into the production of her delicious cavas.

Over 150 years ago, in the small Catalan town of Sant Sadurní d´Anoia the Sala family began making and exporting quality wines. At the beginning of the 20th century Dolores Sala married Pedro Ferrer Bosch, and that union was the beginning of a successful enterprise. Shortly thereafter, Freixenet, which was Pedro Ferrer´s nickname as the youngest son of the owners of “La Freixeneda” wine-growing estate, began to export sparkling wine, later to be denominated cava

Today Freixenet is run by Pedro and Dolores´ children and grandchildren, and the company continues to keep its family character and focus on high quality despite the huge growth the company has experienced from its humble beginnings in Sant Sadurní to becoming the Number 1 Sparkling Wine in the World.

“What is the secret of good wine? There isn´t one. The land and the vines give us their best, while we contribute all of our skills of refinement, along with experience and ingenuity.”

- José Ferrer Sala, son of the founders of Freixenet and Honorary President.

The Netherlands - Delft Blue

Over 18% of the surface of Holland, my home country, consists of water and much of the country and the population is located below sea level. The country is protected against the water by means of a system of dykes and water works. The mill as a symbol of the fight against the water still attracts hundreds of thousands of foreigners to The Netherlands. 

Besides mills Holland is also known for its Delft Blue earthenware. The Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory "De Porceleyne Fles", established in 1653, is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous original Royal Delftware is still entirely hand painted according to centuries-old traditions.

To visit "De Porceleyne Fles" in Delft is more than worth it and includes:

• A journey through the history of Blue Delft and Royal Delft and its development and production process;
• Master painter at work;
• the dining room of Vermeer and the Dutch Royal Family Chamber;
• museum with antique Delft pieces;
• ceramic rooms with building ceramics;
• historical courtyard;
• visit to the factory and
• the showroom that offers a comprehensive collection of hand painted Delft Blue by Royal Delft, as well as an extensive selection of Dutch earthenware and souvenirs.

Audio tours are available in several languages.

www.meaningfulpresents.eu

Austria - Coca-Cola + Riedel glass

Riedel, the wine glass company from Austria, launched  a Coca-Cola+Riedel glass that translate the "message" of Coca-Cola to the human senses the best.

Inspired by the iconic curves of the original Coca-Cola contour bottle, the Coca-Cola + Riedel glass is made to enhance the drinking experience. Developed by a tasting panel of industry experts and Coca-Cola lovers, it was determined that this form captures the distinct spices, aroma and taste of Coca-Cola and creates a magical sensorial experience.

www.meaningfulpresents.eu

Finland - Hartwall Original Long Drink

My mother, Bertha “Puck” van Duijne Brouwer (1930 – 2006) competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics  (Helsinki, Finland) in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4×100 metres relay, and won a silver medal in the 200 metres.

Hartwall Original Long Drink was launched for the Helsinki Olympics in 1952 with an eye on lightening the workloads of restaurant staff as they served Olympic tourists. The ready-mixed Long Drink was such a big hit among Finns, that the company decided to keep it on the market.

Hartwall Original Long Drink remains by far the most popular long drink in Finland.

I was very happy to meet Adriaan Stigter of Finnish Dutch Import during Horecava 2014 last January in Amsterdam. Finnish Dutch Import introduced Hartwall’s Original Long Drink in Holland.

Any suggestions for typical Finnish products to complete the Country Specifiek gifts at my web shop for Finland are very welcome.

www.meaningfulpresents.eu